Vegas Happenings 03-03-09

By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic - Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
www.theflickchicks.com

Gala “Hall of Fame” Weekend Announced

Last Wednesday afternoon, Jon Astor-White, President/CEO of the National/Las Vegas Entertainment & Sports Hall of Fame dba "VEGAS STAR AWARDS" held a press conference to announce the upcoming Hall of Fame Weekend which will take place inside the Events Center at the Las Vegas Hilton. Among those in attendance at the press conference were Al Chein, Hall of Fame CFO; Nick Tulli, Hall of Fame Director; jeweler Michael E. Minden  designer of the Vegas Star Award; show director Marty Corwin, and show sponsors Ara Zartarian of Marani Vodka and Alex Aminov of Alcohol BG Killer.

Jon Astor-White, President/CEO of the National/Las Vegas Entertainment & Sports Hall of Fame
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn

The three day, star studded gala event featuring the Vegas Star Awards is scheduled during Memorial Day weekend, May 22 - 24, 2009 and will be video taped as a three hour world wide TV special to be broadcast at a later date.  Showtimes start at 8 p.m. Friday thru Sunday.  Tickets for each night’s event will be priced at $75, $100 and $150 and will go on sale around March 30.

According to Astor-White the Vegas Star Award show “will honor stage shows, entertainers, celebrities, sports figures, hotel/casino executives, as well as TV shows and movies with a Las Vegas setting or theme that has helped establish Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world. Those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame include entertainers and celebrities who have not received the recognition they deserved.”  Astor White said he expects “the 1stAnnual Vegas Star Awards to rival the Academy Awards, Tonys, Kennedy Center Honors in presentation and prestige”. Invitees to the weekend include an A list of celebrities. 

Long range plans are for a facility to house The Hall of Fame. As information is released you can read about it here.

Meghan Beck Wins Title of Miss Playboy Club February

Last Tuesday night (2.24.09) Kendra Wilkinson of TV’s The Girls Next Door, announced that Meghan Beck was chosen as the new Miss Playboy Club February. To celebrate, Beck and Wilkinson partied it at the Playboy Club inside the Palms Casino Resort with Playboy stars including: Patrice Hollis (Miss Playboy September 2007), Destiny Davis (model and Miss Playboy January 2005), Amber Campisi (Miss Playboy February 2005), Brittany Binger (Playboy Playmate of the Month June 2007) and Alison Waite (Playboy Playmate of the Month May 2006).  Also in attendance was rapper Todd Shaw, better known as Too Short.

Meghan Beck
Photo credit: Joe Fury

As this month’s winner of the Miss Playboy Club Model Search Ms. Beck will receive $1,000 in cash, a complimentary night’s stay at the Palms Casino Resort, a Swedish massage at Drift Spa at Palms Place, dinner for two at NOVE Italiano, complimentary bottle service at Playboy Club, and a professional photo shoot to be included in the Playboy Club 2010 calendar.  The winners’ photos also will be reviewed for pictorial potential by Hugh Hefner, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Playboy magazine.

Siegfried and Roy Take Final Bow at “Keep Memory Alive” Charity Benefit

Last Saturday night at The Bellagio, master illusionists, Siegfried & Roy returned to the stage for a farewell performance for The 13th Annual “Keep Memory Alive” Power of Love Gala to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The event raised millions for the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

Together with their beautiful tiger Montecore, Sigfried and Roy gave an audience of 1100 a taste of their magical spectacle.

Recognized with ceaseless applause, many tears and a standing ovation, the Magicians of the Century gave an unforgettable encore performance they very much deserved.

Prior to the event, guests were able to take a magical stroll down memory lane  and enjoy many of the  props, costumes and photos from Siegfried & Roy outstanding career. The night's live auction included the opportunity to bid on dinner in your home for 30 prepared by the legendary Wolfgang Puck, dinner with Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, court-side seats and an autographed Steve Nash jersey, VIP tickets to join Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara at the American Idol finale and much more.

Celebrities in attendance included Danny DeVito, Teri Hatcher, Hilary Duff, Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, Steve Schirripa, and John Paul DeJoria, owner of Patron and Paul Mitchell.

Teri Hatcher
Photo credit: Curtis Dahl Photography

Steve Schirripa
Photo credit: Curtis Dahl Photography

Hilary Duff
Photo credit: Curtis Dahl Photography

Wolfgang Puck
Photo credit: Curtis Dahl Photography

ABC News will present a special edition of "20/20" anchored by Elizabeth Vargas titled "Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns," that will air on March 6.


Other recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

In an effort to raise money to help conquer childhood cancer, Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. the entire community is invited to attend, donate and/or shave their heads at the third annual ST. BALDRICK’S FOUNDATION COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER to take place inside Quinn’s Irish Pub inside Green Valley Ranch (2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy. in Henderson).  Helping to make a statement and raise funds to combat childhood cancer by shaving their heads are Green Valley Ranch General Manager Tim Wright, Assistant General Manager Claes Landberg and Sunset Station Assistant General Manager Ken Rubeli, among several other hotel executives. Green Valley Ranch will present every person who shaves their head for the St. Baldrick’s charity, a gift bag with spa products, draft beer for one dollar during the event, GVR coupons and a St. Baldrick's t-shirt. McMullan’s Irish Pub at Tropicana Avenue and Cameron Street will also host St. Baldrick’s from 2 p.m. until 3 a.m.

Superstar BARRY MANILOW begins his fifth year headlining at the Las Vegas Hilton February 26-28 in the legendary Hilton Theater. Show times at the Las Vegas Hilton through 2009 are generally on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Due to his phenomenal success at Flamingo Las Vegas Comedian and celebrity roaster VINNIE FAVORITO has announced he had added an additional show on Saturday nights inside Bugsy’s Cabaret. The additional show begins at 6pm on Saturdays in addition to his current show nightly at 8pm.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is extending a welcome invitation to patrons of the Las Vegas Art Museum, closing February 28.  Now through September 7, valid LVAM memberships can be redeemed for unlimited entry to BGFA’s popular new exhibition, “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends.” For more information, call (702) 693-7871 or go online to www.bellagio.com.

This legendary Jewish delicatessen from Los Angeles, Gary Canter’s Delicatessen, is now open at the Race & Sports Book inside Mandalay Bay.

In its debut year at MGM Grand, WET REPUBLIC- the ultra pool, has received a nomination for “Best One-Off” from the Club World Awards. Las Vegas’ hottest adult pool party destination is being recognized for its amazing Labor Day event featuring two of the World’s Most Acclaimed DJs in the Industry, Deadmau5 and Kaskade.

Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Tabú Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand has been nominated for “Best Lounge” by the Club World Awards. In addition, Tabú has received its first nomination for “Best Bottle Service.


ABC Primetime’s “What Would You Do?” hosted by John Quinones, which airs Tuesday nights at 10 p.m., recently spent four days filming at Las Vegas’ HASH HOUSE A GO GO  restaurant. The crew secretly filmed two different scenarios, catching the reactions of Hash House A Go Go customers on hidden camera. The first and most controversial of the two scenarios involved a polygamist family dining in the restaurant. The second scenario involved an actor portraying a “way too friendly customer.” Hash House A Go Go Las Vegas, famous for its unusual décor and enormous portions, will be featured prominently in the show along with its highly involved customers. The expected air date for the Hash House A Go Go segments is mid-March.

Throughout the month of March THE BUFFET at the Las Vegas Hilton is offering SPECIAL REDUCED PRICES for local residents. On St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, Wednesday and Sunday brunches beginning March 1, the pricing will be as follows: Breakfast: $3.99 ($.99 with reward dollars), Lunch: $4.99 ($3 with reward dollars), Dinner: $6.99 ($4 with reward dollars), Sunday brunch $9.99 ($5 with reward dollars). Simply present your local ID with Player’s Club Card with Hot Spot sticker to take advantage of this special offer.

In early March, Michael Frey and Craig Gilbert of Drive This! Entertainment will unveil RHUMBAR a rum lounge and outdoor patio located near the main entrance of The Mirage. “RHUMBAR is a modern interpretation of classic Caribbean culture,” says Frey. “Through an eclectic soundtrack of lounge and world music and contemporary architecture, RHUMBAR delivers a distinctive atmosphere with a Latin vibe.”

On Thursday, March 5 from 7-8:30 p.m.“Las Vegas Families” who played key roles in helping Las Vegas form and mature as a community will share their experiences of our early community at the Springs Preserve. 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The informative evening will educate locals about these families’ contributions as well as something equally important - their legacies - at this program made possible in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Participants include Paul Carson, noted Las Vegas Historian;  Bill Gildner, 3rd Generation Native and Las Vegas Valley High Graduate, class of 1941;  June Eddins, Native and Longtime Las Vegas Resident since 1930, and others to be announced. Tickets are $12 for non-members, $10 for members, $6.50 for children.

On March 7, some of the biggest names in the Latin music industry will unite at ND’s Fuego, the hottest new nightclub at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, for “JOSE JOSE - ENTRE AMIGOS”, a musical event to honor music legend José José. The evening will feature dynamic performances by Latin music pop idol Cristian Castro, Mexican superstar Ana Barbara and the legendary José José himself.  Also performing is resident songstress of ND’s Fuego, Deyanira and many other surprise guest appearances that will complete the circle of friends. Tickets are $55 (plus tax and fees) and are on sale now at the Rio box office or by calling (702) 777-7776 or (888) 746-7784.  Doors open at 8 p.m. for this special event.

Former 2008 “Nashville Star” reality show finalists, THIRD TOWN bring a mix of southern rock and country originals to Jack’s Roadhouse at Palace Station every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Beginning Friday, Mar. 6 and the first Friday of every month thereafter, PT’S GOLD, located on St. Rose and Eastern introduces LADIES FIRST from 7-9 p.m. During that time, ladies may enjoy complimentary Bud Light and Absolut Mango cocktails, in addition to a live DJ and hourly giveaways that include gift certificates to Euphoria Salons and Day Spas.

On Monday, March 9, Elvis impressionist, and winner of ABC’s “The Next Best Thing”, TRENT CARLINI will debut his new show, ELVOLUTION™.  at the Steve Wyrick Theatre in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. “ELVOLUTION™ is Trent Carlini’s modern-day take on an exciting evolution of Elvis’ musical life,” explains Carlini. “The show will revolutionize the way audiences are accustomed to seeing his portrayal and highlight the King’s best moments throughout his multi-decade entertainment career.”

Show times are 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 and 9 p.m. on Friday, dark Saturdays. Ticket prices are $70 for General Admission.

The 43rd annual "Southern Nevada Sons of Erin" St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place Saturday, March 14th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon  in Henderson's Water Street District. This year's parade will be accompanied by four days of exciting holiday celebrations including a carnival, festival and great live entertainment.  Admission to the parade, carnival, festival and live entertainment is FREE!


On St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, Mandalay Bay is  hosting a rockin party inside J-Pop Lounge and eyecandy sound lounge and bar featuring the music of the ultimate U2 tribute band Rattle and Hum (3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.), Irish favorite Wild Celts (5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.), rock band The Limit (8 p.m. – 2 a.m.) and food & drink specials.  Prizes also will be given out throughout the evening.

From noon to 6 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, The El Cortez Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas will be serving FREE slices of Marie Callender’s chocolate mint pie to all Club Cortez members while they play slots or table games.  Club Cortez membership is free.


Platinum Masters’ MONSTER CIRCUS, a unique concert experience combining rock, audience interaction and a freaky circus atmosphere, opens inside the legendary Hilton Theatre beginning Thursday, March 19. An irreverent ringmaster along with Sicko The Clown, Monster Circus’ mascot, will lead the audience along the 75-minute journey through the powerhouse rock and metal anthems of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. An all-star lineup of the jaw-dropping Monster Circus band features artists Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio) John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, Ratt), Fred Coury (Cinderella), Bruce Kulick (KISS), and Tony Montana (Great White). Various guest artists will “join the circus” and perform the hits they personally rock out to, creating an evolving set list.

Twisted Sister front man DEE SNIDER will hold court for the month of March with show dates March 19-21 and March 26-28.

In addition to rock and metal masters, special theme nights will be dedicated to the songs of a single legendary band. Monster Circus is in town six nights a month on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with an 11 p.m. show time and a nightly after show party. March dates are: 19-21 and 26-28.Tickets for Platinum Masters’ Monster Circus are $39-$66. A rock star VIP package is available for $86/ All ticket prices exclude tax and fees.


Celebrity sightings:

Tuesday evening (February 24) …

Danny Glover, American actor, film director and political activist, enjoyed dinner at Twin Creeks restaurant located in the Silverton Casino Lodge. He was joined by three guests.

Actor /comedian Pauly Shore arrived around midnight for LAVO’s Carnival themed industry night. He was seen sipping cocktails at his dance floor table near DJ Five.


Wednesday evening (February 25)…

Taye Diggs, currently staring on Private Practice, was working on his dance moves at LAVO inside The Palazzo.  The actor was appropriately turned out for LAVO’s Label Junkie Wednesday, donning designer jeans, button up shirt, vest and tie, and topped with a hat.

Also spotted in the club was NASCAR driver Brian Vickers with a group of friends. 

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Benjamin Roethlisberger (also nicknamed Big Ben) was seen partying with a group of friends at ghostbar inside The Palms Casino Resort.

Thursday night Darnell Stapleton of the Pittsburgh Steelers was spotted at ghostbar inside The Palms Casino Resort. 


Friday night (February 27)…

Actor Ben Affleck was spotted dining in N9NE Steakhouse.  Affleck was joined by a large group of approximately 15 people at the table. Onlookers overheard Affleck saying he was staying at the Fantasy Tower at Palms Casino Resort. Jenna Morton, co-owner of N9NE Group, was dining in the restaurant as well and sent over dessert for the table.  Affleck’s party later moved to Playboy Club where they sat at VIP table on the dance floor. 

Also dining in N9NE Steakhouse was NFL star Larry Johnson aka LJ, of the Kansas City Chiefs.  Johnson was joined by three friends and was sporting a Mohawk haircut.

At TAO inside The Venetian, Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and his teammates gathered to celebrate their big win.  The group of twenty including the Steelers’ Willie Colon, Darnell Stapleton and Trai Essex dined at TAO Asian Bistro, with the hungry athletes devouring most of the menu including Wasabi Filet, Lobster Kimchee Fried Rice, Thai Buddha Chicken and Satay of Miso Glazed Bass.  Throughout the meal fans stopped by and they graciously signed autographs.

Trai Essex, Darnell Stapleton, Ben Roethlisberger and Willie Colon
Photo credit: Aaron Thompson

Upstairs in the nightclub, the scene was no different as fans clamored around their VIP table for pictures and autographs.  Pro golfer Anthony Kim joined their table on the dance floor and the group drank Cristal and Grey Goose.

Over at LAVO inside The Palazzo, Oscar winning actor Adrien Brody dined with TAO Group partner Noah Tepperberg and a group of friends.  Dining nearby was E! Entertainment Television personality, Ben Lyons, who got up from his table to say hello to Brody.  Also spotted at the bathhouse inspired destination, reality TV star Kristin Cavalieri, who first found famed on MTV’s Laguna Beach.  After dinner all were seen in LAVO’s second floor nightclub partying to the sounds of DJ FIVE.  Well past midnight the group traveled via the LAVO/TAO Escalade golf cart to finish the night at TAO.

Nip/Tuck star Kelly Carlson was spotted drinking champagne with a few friends at TAO.  Also quite a fan magnet, the friendly actress posed for pictures with club goers.  She took the LAVO/TAO Escalade golf cart back to The Palazzo, where she is staying, hoping off briefly for one spin at roulette, where her bet on red won.

Martha Champlin, LIndaHughes & KellyCarlson
Photo credit: Aaron Thompson

Also at LAVO, General Hospital star Kristin Storm.  Armed with a few of her girlfriends, they spent the night dancing to the sounds of DJ Reach.


Saturday night…

Over at TAO Adrien Brody returned for the second night in a row.  Joined by friends, the Academy Award winner enjoyed the sounds of DJ Roktakon from his dance floor VIP table.

Longtime voice impressionist Rich Little attended the Lance Burton show with his family. Muhammad Ali, his wife Lonnie and grandsons Biagio and Nico along with daughter Rasheda also were in the audience. When fellow Louisville native Lance Burton announced that Ali was in the house the entire audience of over 900 people stood to their feet with a standing ovation that went on for minutes.

Lance Burton, Muhammad Ali, his grandsons Biagio and Nico along with daughter Rasheda

At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino the “Daily 10” crew invaded Body English while DJ Clinton Sparks kept the crowd moving.  Special guest 88-Keys, a hip hop producer and artist, performed one song during the night.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker, Patrick Willis, accompanied by an entourage of friends,  enjoyed dinner at N9NE Steakhouse inside The Palms Casino Resort.

Over at Playboy Club, rapper Too Short was spotted with a group of five.  Following a drink, he made his way to Rain to check out Perfecto.

At the grand opening of the hottest rock 'n' roll bar in Las Vegas, Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Casino Hotel, celebrity DJ John Huntington from famed Hart & Huntington tattoo. Also spotted at the grand opening were members of MTV Season 2 winners of America's Best Dance Crew "Super Crew" and local bulldog comedian Bobby Slayton.


On Sunday (March 1)…

NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and Brian Vickers wrapped up race weekend by visiting LAVO inside The Palazzo for DJ VICE’s weekly party.

Kyle Busch celebrated his NASCAR Spring Cup Shelby 427 victory at Body English inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. He was joined by a large group of family and friends, which took over three booths. Busch celebrated his win by spraying a bottle of Dom Perignon into the crowd.

Kyle Busch and friend
Photo credit: Aaron Thompson

Playboy’s November 2008 Playmate of the Month, Grace Kim, was spotted at Playboy Club inside the Palms Casino Resort. It was Kim’s first visit to the venue and N9NE Group’s VIP Host Manager, Pasquale Romano, gave her a tour. 

Also spotted at Playboy Club was San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker, Patrick Willis.  He came in with a friend and hung out by the bar for most of the night.

Comedian Ron White enjoyed dinner with a party of four at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT inside The Palazzo.

I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.